| Review by Chris September 22, 2004
|
Performance:  Sonics:  |
This is my second SACD from Albany.And like the first one I reviewed here, with symphonies by Morton Gould and Roy Harris,this disc has given me much joy.The music here is quite varied in temperament.The disc begins with a hauntingly beautiful and very atmospheric work by the american composer Steven Lucky.Strangely enough his wonderful piece "Son et Lumière" isn't even credited on the front cover! "Watercolors" by Gabriel Ian Gould is also very interesting with some beautiful English Horn solos.
"Watercolors" is followed by, an intimate and rewarding Cello Concerto by another,still living, american composer, John Harbison.Although he is completely unknown to me,I'm glad that this disc has introduced me to his music too.
The major work is the more well known second symphony "On Marching Tunes" by Morton Gould.A very colourful symphony full of exciting rhytms, jazzy moods and humour.Morton Gould wrote a lot of film music, and it shows in his symphonies as well.
Everything has again, been recorded admirably with lots of clarity, openness and truthful timbres.Maybe some will find it a bit close but the actual sound quality is in the five star leage IMO.
The opening piece "Son and Lumière" may likewise, sound it bit too modern for some, but it certainly has got everything from deep powerful bass to scintillating highs.
Yet another, rewarding step "off the beaten track" IMO.
|
Was this review helpful to you?
yes |
no
|
|
